I love a gentle, gray, misty rain. So good for everything. Breathe in that cool, misty air. Reminds me of the Motherland… the San Francisco Bay Area. And it is absolutely the best weather in which to get outdoor winter clean up done. The List has many things crossed off: move native soil to all raised and container beds; re-seal and repair all rain harvesting gear; remove all dead weeds; prune all mature trees and shrubs; fresh paint on all fences, tanks and sheds (this last one has a few details left).
My energy and focus were so distracted by the necessary and somewhat urgent cabin repairs of last year that things were not done in time for tours. But now that Phase One of the upgrades is done, I have been able to move right through The List.
NOTE: If you are in the USA, get your construction materials as soon as possible. Between t@riffs and manufacturers taking advantage of the threats, prices will – without a doubt – be going sky high. I have ordered all the materials to complete Phases Two and Three of the cabin upgrades. Debt now will be better than debt later.
And now for a moment of Grounded Earth Quiet… all this work serves in so many ways: focus and energy are moved to the positive and harmless productive; physical labor supports well-being and works off any stress chemicals; and it all leads to the ability to share healthy activities and benefits with other folks who so need them.
This year, I will definitely be holding Sharing Tours, to include but not limited to: Rain Water Harvesting, Successful Plants, Food Forest, and Permaculture Practices. (Sign up for The Refuge Permaculture Newsletter for Event announcements by emailing tarafarmandnursery@gmail.com )
So this morning’s snow will get me back on grown up responsibilities today inside.
Homework: Walk your property with pen and notebook in hand. When you hear yourself saying ” Oh I have to…Oh I need to…Oh I should… Oh that needs to be….” write it all down. And then do one of those things, even the simplest, small thing, and cross it off. And tomorrow, do another. Feel the satisfaction. Reward yourself. Care for yourself, care for the ground, care for the Spring. Tea time!
The Refuge Permaculture Center 